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Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Wisdom Tooth Extraction

wisdom-tooth-extraction

Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Wisdom Tooth Extraction. Wisdom tooth extraction is essentially a rite of passage for many people, much like getting a driver's license. In fact, more than 10 million wisdom teeth are extracted each year, according to data published by the U.S. National Library of Medicine. And, coincidentally, there is an average of almost 9 million new drivers aged 19 and younger each year.

Surgical wisdom tooth extractions are actually the most common surgery in the United States. Roughly 85 percent of people need to have their wisdom teeth extracted during their lifetime. But its widespread popularity certainly doesn't lessen the importance or severity of wisdom tooth extraction. Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars to form in your mouth, located on each of the upper and lower jawbone. They don’t come in at the same time and, oftentimes, grow incorrectly, increasing the need for a wisdom tooth extraction procedure.

When it comes to a procedure like a wisdom tooth extraction, you need a dentist and a team you can trust. Give us a call at 314-739-1222 for our Maryland Heights office, or 573-764-2425 for our Gerard location, or contact us today to schedule an appointment or consultation. New patients are always welcome at either convenient location.


How Do I Know If I Need a Wisdom Tooth Extraction?

Wisdom tooth extraction can be done at either of our convenient locations in a single visit. If wisdom teeth aren't extracted, they can cause your teeth to crowd, become infected, and leave permanent damage to surrounding teeth and/or your gums.

Wisdom tooth extraction is done largely as a preventative measure. When wisdom teeth grow in, they can crowd the mouth and lead to various potential problems. But the most common reason for wisdom tooth extraction is an impacted wisdom tooth. Many people develop impacted wisdom teeth, to varying degrees and at various times, that quickly lead to wisdom tooth extraction. Some have impacted wisdom teeth that grow only partially (just barely scratching the surface of the gum) or not at all (staying beneath the gum surface). Be sure to contact the Martin Dental & Associates staff for a full consultation and diagnosis. An impacted wisdom tooth may:

  • Grow at an angle toward the next tooth, a second molar
  • Grow at an angle toward the back of the mouth
  • Grow at a right angle to the other teeth, as if the wisdom tooth is "lying down"
  • Grow straight up or down like other teeth, but stay trapped with the jawbone

Problems can quickly develop from untreated impacted wisdom teeth, including pain, infection, gum disease, and tooth decay. We suggest that you schedule a scan and consultation with Dr. Martin to ensure proper care for a wisdom tooth extraction. He will prepare a detailed, personalized treatment plan for you, including any applicable extraction specifications. This ongoing communication is vital to Martin Dental & Associates' patient-doctor relationship.


When Do I Schedule a Wisdom Tooth Extraction?

It is important to have wisdom teeth extracted before they are fully grown because it is much easier and less painful during the earliest stages of growth. The longer the wisdom teeth are left exposed and untreated, the better chance there is of infection and permanent damage. The wisdom tooth extraction process itself is relatively simple, and typically lasts less than an hour. Dr. Martin and his team of experts numb the targeted extraction area with specialized anesthesia. Once the patient is comfortable, Dr. Martin utilizes specialty instruments to gently loosen and pry the wisdom teeth out of their sockets.

A patient's recovery time varies, from a couple of days to a week. Dr. Martin prepares his patients with a customized recovery process, including instructions and alleviations on:

  • Pain management
  • Swelling and bruising
  • Bleeding
  • Cleaning your mouth
  • Activity
  • Tobacco use
  • Food and beverage options

Wisdom Tooth Extraction | Dr. John Martin Dental & Associates of Greater St. Louis

Wisdom tooth extraction is a common dental treatment, one that Dr. Martin has done for over 30 years. Even if your impacted teeth aren't currently causing problems, Martin Dental & Associates can extract your wisdom tooth or teeth to prevent significant issues that can come from the overcrowding and other complications.

Speak with Dr. John Martin and the Martin Dental & Associates staff to schedule your wisdom tooth extraction today. Contact us or give us a call at 314-739-1222 for our Maryland Heights office, or 573-764-2425 for our Gerard location.